Obituary of Joyce E. Hughes

Joyce (Lawson) ( Farris) Hughes passed away in Durand, MI on Tuesday November 13, 2018. After a long decline in her health, exacerbated by a broken hip, she courageously chose to seek palliative care in Hospice. She will be greatly missed by her children: Linda (Michael) Armstrong of Webberville, MI, Ron (Evette) Farris of Arkansas, Cindy (Tracy) Dietrich of Byron, MI, Sharon (Shawn) Yeisley of Delaware, and Brett (Michelle) Hughes of Flint Township, MI. Joyce loved her role as MeeMaw to her 14 grandchildren and great- grandchildren, who could count on her unconditional love and support. Joyce was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina to Perry and Celeste Lawson. She had 4 brothers and two sisters, and when she was 7 years old, the family moved north to Detroit. At age 15, she met and married a young soldier, Travis Farris, stationed at nearby Ft. Wayne. They had 4 children together, living first in Belleville, MI, then in1968 moved to rural Fowlerville, MI. Joyce and Travis separated after 25 years of marriage; Joyce later remarried and had another son. While raising a family, Joyce started selling antiques out of a renovated chicken coop in Fowlerville. She managed to turn her original purchase of a 5 dollar antique rocking chair into a thriving business, and became a well known antique and resale dealer in Mid- Michigan. In 1989, she opened a store called The Curiosity Shop in Dansville, MI, but soon outgrew the building, and moved to a much larger space in Owosso, Mi. The Curiosity Shop was a popular destination for those who loved antiques, collectibles and "junque". Long before Mike and Frank from American Pickers fame, there was Joyce with an extraordinary eye and indefatigable drive, unearthing and dusting off forgotten treasures. She always said Michigan was THE best place to pick. She got up early and hit the roads looking for garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops. She taught all her kids (and a few grandchildren) about dumpster diving, trash picking and thrifting . Her mantras were "Free is best" and "Buy it when you see it but always offer less." Joyce Hughes was preceded in death by her parents and brothers William, Eugene, David and her best friend, sister Goldie Nash, and her beloved grandson Travis. At her request, there are no funeral arrangements at this time. Those who wish to honor Joyce can make a donation in her name to her favorite charity: St. Judes Children Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148-0142